AN INCINERATOR is one step closer to becoming a reality for Andover residents after councillors narrowly agreed to pass the plans.

Hampshire County Council’s regulatory committee narrowly approved the proposal during a lengthy meeting on Wednesday.

As previously reported in the Andover Advertiser, the wood-to-energy incinerator is expected to use around 84,000 tons of non-hazardous waste wood per year and will produce 10 MWhr (mega watt hours) of electrical power when at full capacity.

The site on Walworth Business Park will operate 24 hours a day, all year round, and is expected to bring between 18 to 20 jobs to the town.

The committee deferred the decision initially last month after they requested the applicant provide more information.

This is despite receiving 249 official letters of objection from residents of the town.

However, residents who attended the meeting said that the real number of objections was closer to 700.

Objections ranged from the level of noise, increase in traffic, air quality and the smell the incinerator would create for nearby residents and businesses.

Sibor Ltd’s managing director, Rob Mockridge, addressed several of the issues and even brought in a sample of the type of wood chip that the incinerator would use, inviting those at the meeting to test its odour.

The debate soon turned technical, calling into question the effect the energy recovery centre would have on the town’s environment, with some councillors initially calling for professional, independent advice and another deferral.

The deferral was withdrawn and the vote carried out and passed on the basis on whether the development was an acceptable use of land.

Mr Mockridge, who bought in the samples to help explain the incinerator’s capabilities, said: “I’m very happy of course.

“We’ve still got work to do but it was a fair and just result I think.”

Picket Piece resident Sue Rackham has been leading the fight against the incinerator and attended the meeting.

She told the Advertiser: “I’m devastated.

“It’s got through but it’s got through strictly on planning, and we’re set to keep up our opposition.”

Barbara Long, who represented Andover Town Council at the meeting, said: “I’m disappointed it’s been approved.

“I don’t think it’s a suitable site because it’s so close to residents. I don’t think the applicant has justified why that site is suitable.”